On September 2, 2012, the Church’s development arm, Marera Community Self Help Project (MCSHP) partnered with the Friends Church Sabatia Eye Hospital, Kenya (FCSEH) to provide a free clinic to Marera and the greater Community. The majority of whom had never seen an optometrist or received any type of eye services. People aged from 10 years to 96 years and of various backgrounds, students and peasant farmers attended the clinic.
The clinic was held on a Sunday after church services. Patients started arriving at St. James for treatment as early as 6.00am. They came from far and near arriving on foot, motorbikes and other public transport. 750 men, women and children, regardless of the religious affiliation registered and received free eye examinations and treatment. FCSEH brought a team of 22 Surgeons and other paramedics. Those who needed eye glasses and, or eye drops, received them, at a subsidized rate of approximately $1.00.
During the examinations 80 patients were diagnosed with cataracts and they were transported to the Friends Church Eye Hospital, Sabatia , 70 miles away, for eye surgery at a cost of about $100.00. However, due to the MCSHP and FCSEH partnership, the patients received surgery free of charge
During the course of the day we encountered a number of personal stories that truly touched our hearts and demonstrated the need for continued support of the community. At about 6.30am a mother arrived from a village, approximately 100 miles away, with her 11 year old son, Nelson. Nelson had been blind in his right eye for over a year owing to an injury caused by a corporal punishment he received at school. As a result, he could not read or write, and consequently he dropped out of school at the tender age of 10. At the clinic Nelson received a preliminary examination where he was diagnosed with a cataract in his right eye, that was slowly beginning to affect vision in his left eye. After his examination, Nelson was part of the first group of 35 people to be referred to the Friends Church Eye Hospital, Sabatia. He left that Sunday, accompanied by his mother. On Monday, September 3, 2012, he was prepped for surgery and underwent the procedure during the day. On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, Nelson returned to his village where he recovered and at this time, he has regained vision in his right eye and has re-enrolled in school. Nelson and his mother is grateful to God for giving him his sight a new.
On the other end of the spectrum, was a patient, Rosabella who is 96 years old and who is caring for 11 great grand children whose parents died from HIV/AIDS Rosbella had been experiencing eye problems for many years that resulted in double and blurred vision. She could no longer read and had to use a cane to move around her home. At the clinic, Rosebella was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes hence a candidate for free cataract surgery. She was taken to the Sabatia Eye Hospital on the same day and operated on Monday September 3, 2012. After the surgery, Rosebella reported a drastic improvement in her vision; she was now able to see people and objects clearly, she no longer needed a cane to help her navigate through her home, but most importantly to her, she could once again read her bible without assistance. Upon her return to Marera, Rosbella stated that “… I went to Sabatia a blind woman, using cane to find my way, but today I can see again, I left the cane in Sbatia and I can read my bible once again. Thanks be to God.”
Men women and children who received treatment were all grateful to God for being able to see and read, especially the bible. The two experience highlighted are a few of the hundreds of personal stories from community members whose lives were greatly improved by the clinic. The services provided by the Sabatia Eye Hospital would not have been possible without the prayers, dedication and financial assistance of all those who made the dream of the Marera Community Center a reality.
Marera Community Self-Help Project 